Dreams Really Do Come True

2 Years

Two years ago today my Dad passed away. Here's to the memories...

This video is all messed up for some reason, but I like it anyway.

Something must be very wrong...

when your so tired you can't even finish a lollipop.

Haircuts - Before & After

The kiddos got their hairs cut yesterday. It was Ryder's first real haircut so of course I had to blog about it. Breckyn just got a trim. The least dramatic of the three.

Before:

During:

After:


Kyra before:

During:

After: (she loves it and I think it is stinkin' adorable)


Ryder before: I was diggin' the long and shaggy look, but Kyle, not so much.

During: He was so brave and still.

After:

After I got through with him.

So cool.

Sea World

We've been to Sea World several times, but I had to blog about this particular visit because it was a bit exceptional. First of all, only a handful of people decided to go like we did yesterday. No lines to speak of at all and we had first pick of the seating. Secondly, the weather was perfect. Seventy degrees, sunny with a cool ocean breeze.



Thirdly, my Mom was with us. Not just delightful company but an extra set of hands. Adult to child ratio = 1:1. Not bad at all.



And lastly, Mr. Kyle, being the brilliant veterinarian thirsting for knowledge that he is, answered a challenge question correctly that won us a trip inside the penguin enclosure. So cool! (Literally.) It was a wonderful day.







We sat in the very front row for the dolphin show as well as the Shamu show. We got so wet it was like we'd jumped into the tank with him. We loved it!! Ryder complained for a moment but then he seemed to think it was pretty cool too.

Recent Happenings

1. Our friends, Bret and Erica came for a few days while they looked at houses and Bret took the California boards. They have little girls the same ages as our little girls. Our house was a magical world of make believe. We had princesses, fairies, and evil queen's running all around. We had a blast and are so excited for them to move here!



2. The girls have been fascinated with the book Fairy Houses. They now build fairy houses everywhere. It is fun to see them creating these nests all over.



3. We announced to our girls our upcoming Disneyland trip. This will be their first time. They are beyond excited. We made a paper chain so they can see for themselves how long until we go. I think I am just as excited as they are.



4. My Mom is visiting for a while. It is so much fun. Yesterday we explored a mountain area near our home and discovered a quaint little mountain town. Good hike, fun stores to explore and a delicious dinner. It was a great day.



5. Ryder received this suit for his birthday from Kyle's mom. Too cute.

1 Year Old

My baby had a birthday yesterday. It has been a whirlwind of a year for us this first year of Ryder's life. We were in a whole different world when he was born. Iowa, freezing winter, vet school... He is still our little Prince Charming.



He wasn't too interested in his cake. We were able to coax him into taking a few bites.





We love you Ryder! I want to remember you exactly how you are right now, so here is how you are!

• You are cuddly. You give sweet hugs freely, but your slobbery open mouth kisses are harder to come by.
• You aren't a big eater, but you do have some favorites. Usually you eat a couple bananas a day and your new snack of choice are veggie straws.
• You've always kept us on our toes with your sporatic sleeping habits. Currently you are sleeping through the night until about 4:30-5:30. Then you are up!
• You wave bye-bye and sign "all done".
• You say Ma-ma and Dad-dy. Not on command though, only when you want to.
• When I get you out of your crib after your nap every day you like to stop at the fish on your wall. You grin and say "sssshhh" for fish. Sometimes you just smile, look away and hide in my shoulder, too shy to say hi to the fish.
• You don't care much for your toys but you do like to empty the cupboards and drawers.
• You love to observe. As long as you are close to me, you will watch me intently and contently as I put on make-up, cook, clean or work in the yard.
• You don't walk or stand alone but you do like to climb over the barstools and up on top of the stool.
• Whenever you see something you think is really cool you stop and stare at it with a slight smile and whisper softly, "psssshhhhhpshshhh."
  
• You don't mind being dragged to the bathroom to protect your big sister from E.T.
• You hardly ever cry or complain even when your sisters are smothering you with kisses or dragging you around the house.
• When we practice walking you start giggling uncontrolably.
• You burst out laughing at the most normal things.
• You still seem like an old soul in baby body. Sometimes the way you look at us is startling, like you know something we don't.
  
• You are quick to smile and never cry. I think you are pretty much perfect. What a sweetheart! We are so lucky to have you in our family.
  

Oh look! It's us!

It may not be my Grandpa's dollhouse, but for what it lacks in architectural complexity it makes up for in interior style. And, it comes with our very own twin family in the form of peg dolls.

I made this for my girls' for Christmas. I think they like it, they are still playing with it.

Breckyn dressed in her favorite color, pink of course. Kyra donning her favorite purple dress with flowers, and Ryder, our little tow-head.


The heads of household, complete with highlights and receeding hairlines.


Eek! Don't look. Mr. Kyle is in the bathtub!


The fam. Hangin' out in the kitchen.

The kid's are jumping on the bed again.

I bought the wooden "pre-cut" dollhouse from Grace Violet.

Tag from AJ

Here's a fun little tag where you can answer with one word only:

1.Where is your cell phone? desk
2. Where is your significant other? work
3. Your hair color? highlights
4. Your mother? sweet
5. Your father? inspiring
6. Your favorite thing? kyle
7. Your dream last night? spicy
8. Your dream/goal? prepared
9. The room you're in? big
10. Your hobby? mommy
11. Your fear? evil
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Colorado
13. Where were you last night? walking
14. What you're not? sedentary
15. One of your wish-list items? paint
16. Where you grew up? GJ
17. The last thing you did? eat
18. What are you wearing? vintage
19. Your TV? Off
20. Your pet(s)? BIG
21. Your computer? lifeline
22. Your mood? content
23. Missing someone? friends
24. Your car? temporary
25. Something you're not wearing? socks
26. Favorite store? anthropologie
27. Last thing you read? informative
28. The last thing you ate? noodles
29. Last time you cried? forgot
30. What you are looking forward to? Mom

Now I tag Clint, Katie or Rachel!

Merry Christmas!

Our big baby Jesus. Hard to believe it is this kids first Christmas.


Mary and an angel joins in.


Sweet Mary.


Traditional egg nog from the pottery cups. Must drink every last drop.

Christmas eve PJ's.